How to Get Dental Work Experience in the UK (Even If Every Practice Says No)
Obtaining dental work experience in the UK is a key step for aspiring dentists, helping you understand the profession and strengthen your university application. Yet, many sixth form students face a frustrating reality: nearly every dental practice they contact says “no” to work experience. If you’re in this situation, don’t lose heart! This comprehensive guide will show you how to gain valuable dental experience – even when traditional shadowing at a dental practice isn’t possible. We’ll cover why work experience matters, explain recent changes to official requirements, give an overview of UK dental schools, and share creative alternatives to build your experience and confidence for dental school interviews. 🦷✨
Why Dental Work Experience Matters
Dental schools value applicants who understand what a career in dentistry really involves. Work experience is one of the best ways to gain this insight. By observing or assisting in a dental setting, you can learn about:
The day-to-day responsibilities of dentists and the dental team (beyond just fixing teeth!)
Essential skills like patient communication, teamwork and manual dexterity
The challenges of the profession, from managing anxious patients to ethical decision-making
The rewards of helping people – confirming your motivation to become a dentist
Admissions tutors want to see that you have a realistic understanding of dentistry – not a “rose-tinted” view. As the Dental Schools Council notes, applicants need to demonstrate they are making an informed choice by exploring the career and knowing what attracts them to it. In short, insight matters more than hours. Even a small amount of experience can be powerful if you reflect on it deeply. For example, one week of shadowing where you learned a lot can impress more than a month of work experience with no reflection. It’s all about what you gained, not just what you did.
Did you know? Some dental schools explicitly state they care more about your understanding of dentistry than a specific number of work experience hours. They will expect you to discuss your insights in your personal statement and interviews, showing how your experiences confirmed your desire to pursue dentistry.
Why Is It So Hard to Find Work Experience? (When Practices Say "No" 😣)
Many students find that getting a placement in a dental practice is easier said than done. You might send countless emails or make calls, only to hear, “Sorry, we can’t accommodate you.” There are a few common reasons for this challenge:
Health & Safety and Patient Privacy: Dental practices have to consider patient confidentiality and safety. Having an observer (especially someone under 18) in clinical areas can raise insurance and privacy issues. Some practices have policies against work experience for these reasons.
Limited Capacity: Practices are busy environments. Dentists and staff may feel they don’t have time to supervise a student or might have very limited slots which fill up quickly. It’s not a personal rejection – often they genuinely have no space or administrative support for an observer.
Post-Pandemic Restrictions: In recent years, COVID-19 protocols made it even tougher to allow extra people in clinics. While restrictions have eased, some practices are still catching up on backlogs and remain cautious about visitors.
High Demand: There are many keen students like you asking for placements! A popular local practice might receive dozens of requests but can only accept one or two students per year (or none at all). This means perfectly qualified students will hear “no” due to sheer demand.
Don’t take the rejections personally. Even stellar students encounter this hurdle – you are not alone. The good news is that UK dental schools understand these difficulties. In fact, as of 2024 they officially eased the work experience requirements for applicants. Let’s look at what that means for you.
New Rules: Dental Schools Easing Work Experience Requirements 🎉
In response to the challenges students face, UK dental schools have updated their expectations. From 2024 onwards, most schools no longer require a specific number of work experience hours. Instead, the emphasis is on knowledge and commitment:
Informed Choice through Career Exploration: You should demonstrate that you have researched dentistry and know what being a dentist entails. This can be through any form of exploration – reading, online research, talking to dental professionals, etc.
Explain Your Motivation: Be ready to articulate why dentistry appeals to you, based on what you’ve learned. What draws you to this career over other healthcare fields? What challenges are you prepared for?
Experience is Recommended, Not Mandatory: Schools encourage obtaining some experience in a healthcare setting (especially in general dental practice) if possible. But they acknowledge it can be difficult. As one official source states, “obtaining work experience in a dental setting can be challenging and is therefore not a specific requirement”. In other words, lack of formal dental work experience won’t automatically bar you, as long as you can demonstrate awareness of the profession.
For example, King’s College London advises that while they normally expect applicants to have some experience in a caring or clinical environment, “if this is not possible, we look for evidence that you have worked in a setting where you interact with the general public (e.g. a pharmacy, shop or restaurant)”. In essence, any experience that develops your people skills and understanding of service can count.
Similarly, Newcastle University explains that some schools may ask for around two weeks of dental work experience, but others (including Newcastle itself) are more relaxed and will accept alternative proof of insight like online courses or discussions with dentists. The key is that you take initiative to learn about dentistry in some way.
Bottom Line: You do not need to panic if you can’t shadow a dentist for two weeks. Dental schools will not reject you solely for lack of traditional work experience, especially since 2024. However, you must be able to show you’ve done something to understand the career and can reflect on what you learned. 😃👍
Now that we know the expectations, let’s see how this applies across different universities.
UK Dental Schools Overview (and What They Expect)
There are 16 dental schools in the UK that offer undergraduate dentistry (BDS) programs. Each school has its own admissions process, but all are looking for students who have commitment and insight into dentistry. Here’s a quick overview:
List of UK Dental Schools (Undergraduate Dentistry): 🏫🇬🇧
England: University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Sheffield, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, University of Manchester, Newcastle University, King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London (Barts and The London), University of Plymouth, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), University of Portsmouth (newer programme).
Scotland: University of Glasgow, University of Dundee, University of Aberdeen (Graduate-entry program).
Wales: Cardiff University.
Northern Ireland: Queen’s University Belfast.
(Two of the above – Aberdeen and UCLan – offer graduate-entry or graduate-focused pathways, but they still expect similar insight from applicants.)
How much work experience do they want? It varies, but generally:
No Set Hours Required: Many schools do not mandate a specific number of days. For instance, Birmingham and Leeds do not require work experience at all, but they expect you to understand the pressures of healthcare through other means.
Recommended Amount: Several schools recommend around 10–14 days (about two weeks) of dental work experience if possible. Newcastle traditionally suggested a minimum of 10 days split between NHS and private practice, and Bristol mentions two weeks is a good benchmark (including any public-facing roles). These are guidelines, not hard rules.
Flexible Alternatives: Almost every school says other experiences count. For example, Glasgow doesn’t require clinical work experience at all – they welcome volunteering or customer-service roles that develop interpersonal skills instead. King’s, as noted, accepts public-facing jobs as evidence of experience if you couldn’t get a clinical placement.
Always double-check each university’s latest guidance (they update their websites and the Dental Schools Council releases an entry requirements booklet each year). As of now, the trend is clear: quality of experience beats quantity. Any exposure that helped you learn about dentistry or healthcare is valuable.
Getting Work Experience: Creative Strategies 💡
If every dental practice seems to turn you away, it’s time to think outside the box. Many current dental students got into university by using alternative ways to gain experience and demonstrate their dedication. Here are some creative strategies to consider:
1. Be Persistent and Proactive (Don’t Give Up!)
First and foremost, keep trying with dental practices, but try a proactive approach:
Visit in Person: Rather than just emailing, go to the practice (neatly dressed, with a CV if you have one) and politely ask to speak to the practice manager or a senior dentist about shadowing. In-person requests can be harder to ignore and show your enthusiasm. Some students found success this way after emails failed.
Leverage Personal Contacts: If you or your family go to a friendly local dentist, mention your career plans. Sometimes family dentists are willing to let long-time patients’ children observe for a day or two. Even a short informal placement through personal connection is great experience.
Volunteer vs. “Work Experience”: The word “volunteer” can be magic. One tip from successful applicants is to ask if you can volunteer at the practice (e.g. helping with reception or simple tasks) instead of formally shadowing. Some clinics are more open to an extra “helper” once they know you, which can lead to observing clinical work gradually. Always clarify you’re happy to do any task, not just watch procedures.
Try, Try Again: If one practice says no, thank them politely and ask if they know any other dentist who might take a student. Dentists often have networks; one practice’s staff might refer you to a colleague in another clinic who could help. Keep a list and contact many places – it often takes dozens of inquiries. The worst anyone can say is “no,” but eventually someone might say “yes”!
Persistence pays off. One dental student shared how they only got a half-day placement after 6 months of searching, but by showing eagerness and asking to come back, that turned into a longer shadowing opportunity. Stay positive and start early so you have time to find opportunities before application deadlines.
2. Expand Your Horizon: Beyond High-Street Dental Practices
Remember, dentistry isn’t only found in your local clinic. Look for experience in varied settings to broaden your exposure:
Hospital Dentistry: Hospitals often have Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) or orthodontic departments. Some NHS Trusts run formal work experience weeks in hospital dental units. Seeing hospital dentists or surgeons at work gives insight into complex cases and the wider healthcare team. It also shows you the contrast with general practice.
Community Dental Services: Community dental clinics treat patients who need special care (such as those with disabilities, severe dental phobia, or no access to regular dentists). Spending time in a community dental service (perhaps run by your local NHS Community Health) can be eye-opening. You’ll learn how dentists adapt to patients’ needs in a supported environment – great to discuss at interview.
University Dental School Clinics: Some dental schools allow prospective students to observe in their teaching clinics or outreach centers. This might be arranged via contacts or special programs (e.g. summer schools). It doesn’t hurt to email the dental school and ask if they have opportunities for school students to observe a class or clinic – the worst they can say is no.
Dental Laboratories: You don’t have to shadow a dentist to learn about dentistry! Consider spending time in a dental laboratory where dental technicians create dentures, braces, and crowns. Working with technicians provides invaluable insight into the behind-the-scenes aspect of dentistry. You might even get to mix materials or see how prosthetics are made, which can deepen your understanding of the dental team’s work. Contact local dental labs – many people overlook them, so they might be more receptive to a student visitor.
Specialist Clinics: If general dentists are full, try orthodontic clinics, endodontic specialists, or even private practices. Private dental offices might allow observers (you can contrast private vs NHS care, which is a smart talking point). Orthodontists (teeth-straightening specialists) often have tight schedules but could let you watch consultations if you’re polite and keen. Any specialty exposure (ortho, paediatrics, oral surgery, etc.) helps demonstrate your interest in all aspects of dentistry.
According to Newcastle University’s guidance, you should look for shadowing opportunities not just in high-street practices but also in community clinics, dental hospitals, orthodontists, and labs. A mix of experiences, if you can get them, will strengthen your understanding (and your talking points for interviews).
3. Volunteer in Healthcare or with People 🏥❤️
If direct dental work experience isn’t happening, focus on any experience that builds caring skills. Medical and dental schools alike recognize that volunteering or working with different people can be just as valuable as clinical shadowing. Some ideas:
Care Homes and Hospices: Volunteering at a nursing home or hospice can teach you a lot about empathy, communication, and the challenges elderly or ill patients face. You’ll develop patience and listening skills – crucial for dentists who often treat anxious or vulnerable patients. (Plus, these placements are often easier to get with a simple DBS check).
Healthcare Assistant or Support Worker: Working part-time as a healthcare assistant (HCA) in a hospital or a care assistant in a care home, especially over summer, is great experience. You’ll gain basic caring skills, see multidisciplinary teams in action, and have meaningful patient interactions. Check NHS Jobs or local job boards for entry-level care roles suitable for students.
St John Ambulance & First Aid: Joining St John Ambulance as a youth volunteer can give hands-on first aid experience and exposure to emergency care scenarios. You learn to stay calm under pressure and help people – qualities that are directly applicable to dentistry. Plus, you earn first aid qualifications along the way.
Working with Children or Disabled Individuals: Dentists must be able to treat all members of society. Volunteering at a children’s club, a school for students with special needs, or a community program for disabled adults can build your ability to communicate with patience and compassion. It shows you’re comfortable working with diverse groups – something you can highlight in applications.
Customer Service Jobs: Even a part-time job in a pharmacy, shop, or café has value. It might sound unrelated, but any role where you interact with the public, handle responsibility, or work in a team can provide examples of transferable skills. Several dental schools explicitly say that customer-facing work is valid experience if clinical roles aren’t available. For example, dealing with a difficult customer at a shop isn’t that different from handling a nervous patient – both require communication and empathy.
The goal here is to show that you’ve spent time helping or working with people, especially in a caring context. Dentistry is a caring profession at its core, so admissions tutors love to see evidence of your compassion, reliability and ability to build trust. Volunteering also demonstrates initiative and commitment, since you’re sacrificing your free time to improve yourself and serve others.
4. Embrace Virtual Work Experience and Online Learning 💻
In the digital age, virtual work experience can be a lifesaver. While nothing can fully replace in-person observation, you can still learn a huge amount online:
Virtual Dentistry Programs: Look for free online work experience courses in dentistry. For example, some organizations offer interactive virtual programmes where you follow dental cases through videos and quizzes. The Dental Schools Council partnered with platforms to create virtual insights during COVID. One major UK dental chain, mydentist, now offers a virtual work experience program via Springpod that takes ~10 hours to complete. Completing such a program gives you talking points about what you learned, and often a certificate for your portfolio.
Medic Mentor / Dental Mentor: Medic Mentor (a UK medical/dental education charity) has run a 4-month virtual dental work experience scheme in the past. Dental Mentor and other outreach groups sometimes host online sessions where dentists present cases or discuss their day. Join these if you can – they’re often free or low-cost and designed for sixth formers.
Observe GP (and other healthcare MOOCs): The Royal College of General Practitioners created “Observe GP”, a free online shadowing program for medicine. While it’s about doctors, it can still teach you about patient care ethics and GP referrals (some of which involve dentists). If you can’t find a dentistry-specific course, doing any healthcare virtual experience (and then reflecting on the similarities to dentistry) is useful. There are also MOOCs (massive open online courses) on dentistry topics or introductory dental medicine – check platforms like Coursera or FutureLearn.
Webinars and Dental Talks: Keep an eye out for webinars, open lectures or virtual open days hosted by dental schools. For instance, during application season, universities might host Q&A sessions with current dental students or staff. Attending these online events counts as exploration – you can mention that you spoke to dental students or learned about the course structure, showing proactive engagement.
YouTube, Podcasts & Reading: Supplement your experience with self-directed learning. There are many great YouTube channels and podcasts by dentists that showcase a day in the life, discuss dental cases, or talk about why they love (or sometimes struggle with) their job. Watching a series like “Dentist vlogs their day” or listening to interviews with dentists can provide anecdotal knowledge. Also consider reading resources like:
The NHS Careers website on “dentist” – outlines training and roles.
General Dental Council (GDC) guidelines or news – shows professional standards and current issues (e.g., ethical guidelines, patient consent).
British Dental Association (BDA) articles or newsletters – to understand hot topics in UK dentistry (NHS dental contract issues, etc.).
Staying up to date with dental news in the UK (via the BBC or The Guardian health sections) will impress interviewers. It shows you care about the field, not just about getting into university.
When you do virtual or online experiences, treat them seriously: take notes, reflect on what surprised you, and think about how it compares to any in-person experiences you have. For example, “Through a virtual work experience course, I followed a case of a child needing a filling – it taught me how dentists communicate in simple language with young patients, which I found really interesting.” Insights like that can be woven into interview answers or personal statements to demonstrate your proactive attitude. 💡
Making the Most of Your Experiences (Reflect and Connect)
Whether you secure a two-week dental practice placement or you only managed to volunteer at a care home and complete an online course, the crucial step is reflection. Admissions tutors and interviewers will ask you to reflect on what you learned from any experience or activity on your application.
Here’s how to maximize what you get out of your experiences:
Keep a Reflective Journal: Whenever you observe or do something relevant, jot down some thoughts. What did you see? How did it make you feel about dentistry? What challenges did the professionals face? What skills did you notice (communication, teamwork, empathy)? How did this experience confirm or change your desire to be a dentist? This journal will be gold when writing your personal statement or answering interview questions. It helps ensure you’re not just saying “I did X” but rather “Doing X taught me Y” – which is exactly what interviewers want to hear.
Relate Experience to Dentistry: Even if an experience isn’t obviously dental, connect the dots for your audience. For example, “Working at a pharmacy taught me the importance of patience and clear communication – skills I noticed dentists need when explaining treatments to patients.” Or, “Volunteering with disabled children developed my empathy and adaptability, which will be vital when treating patients with special needs in the future.” Drawing these parallels shows maturity and insight.
Be Ready for Interview Questions: In dental school interviews (whether traditional or MMI format), you’re likely to be asked about your work experience or how you explored dentistry. Questions might include:
“What did you learn from your work experience or volunteering that confirmed you want to study dentistry?”
“What aspect of dentistry did you find most challenging or surprising during your work experience?”
“How did you demonstrate caring or teamwork in any of your experiences?”
Since you might not have a ton of formal shadowing, you can absolutely cite alternative experiences in your answers. For instance, “I wasn’t able to get a long placement, but during my one day observing at a dental lab, I was amazed by the attention to detail the technicians had – it made me appreciate how dentistry is a team effort. This further motivated me to join such a collaborative profession.” Such an answer still shows insight and enthusiasm.
Use Your Personal Statement Wisely: The personal statement is a chance to highlight how you’ve prepared for dentistry. Rather than worrying about hours, focus on what you got out of each experience. Mention a couple of key experiences (dental or non-dental) and reflect on them. Quality matters more than quantity here. For example, “Spending a week at an orthodontic clinic taught me how crucial good communication is – I watched the orthodontist calm a very anxious teen patient by clearly explaining each step. It was inspiring and confirmed my ambition to pursue patient-centred care in dentistry.” A thoughtful reflection like this can stand out more than simply listing activities.
Finally, stay up-to-date and knowledgeable. As Newcastle’s advice suggests, it’s good to follow dentistry in the news and understand issues in the NHS. If you can casually mention at interview that you’re aware of, say, the current shortage of NHS dentists or debates about sugar tax and dental health, it shows a wider interest in the field. It all contributes to proving you are a well-rounded, well-informed candidate who will thrive in dental school.
Conclusion 🎓🦷
Getting dental work experience in the UK can be challenging – sometimes it feels like every door is closing. But with persistence and a bit of creativity, you can still gain the insights and experience you need to shine in your application. Remember that today’s dental schools care most about why you want to be a dentist and what you’ve learned about the profession, rather than checking off a specific number of hours. Whether you’ve shadowed a dentist for a day, volunteered for months in a care home, completed a virtual dentistry course, or all of the above, what truly counts is your ability to reflect on those experiences and demonstrate your commitment to a career in dentistry.
Stay proactive, stay positive, and use every opportunity to learn – even a “no” from a practice can lead you to explore another avenue you hadn’t considered. By the time you walk into your dental school interview, you’ll be armed with real examples of your dedication and an honest understanding of what being a dentist involves. That combination is sure to impress the interviewers and get you one step closer to your goal of dental school. Good luck – you’ve got this! 💪😁
References
Dental Schools Council – “Dental schools update work experience requirements” (2024 news) dentalschoolscouncil.ac.uk – Explains the easing of formal work experience requirements and the focus on informed career exploration.
King’s College London (Dentistry BDS entry requirements) – Notes that if clinical work experience isn’t possible, public-facing work is accepted as evidence kcl.ac.uk.
Newcastle University Careers Service – “Gaining Experience for Dental School” – Recommends around two weeks’ experience and acknowledges alternative insights like discussions with dentists or online courses ncl.ac.ukncl.ac.uk. Also suggests seeking shadowing in various settings (community, hospital, labs) and highlights the value of care work and volunteering ncl.ac.uk
Blue Peanut Dentistry Guide (2025 Entry Work Experience) – Summarises each UK dental school’s stance on work experience bluepeanut.com, reinforcing that some require none or only recommend a couple of weeks, and suggests alternatives like virtual programs and volunteering.